As always, it was themed. Flappers. And my goodness, some of the ladies didn't half go their hum dingers getting all dressed up. They looked fabulous. The place was packed. I believe I must have cut an impressive site all dressed in black, shoulda wore a tie, a la big bouncer style. People were beggin to give me ticket money they had already paid for. Bouncer now noted as an alternative career choice.
And there was ma wee maw, in the shiniest pink and silver flapper outfit kicking up a mean charlston on the dance floor. There were the ladies from the church, ex work mates, friends, family and complete strangers who had just asked if they could come along. You see..this isn't a one off event. It's an annual shindig that my mum has been doing for years now and has garnered a fair wee reputation for being a brilliant night out whilst raising funds for great causes.
Lat night it was The British Heart Foundation. Let me tell you a little bit about why. In february this year my mum was over in Australia staying with my sister. Two days before being due to fly home she had a heart attack. She was rushed to hospital where she underwent much needed surgery. It was almost three months from the point of my mum leaving Scotland till her return home and I saw her again.
Now you would think on returning anyone's focus would be on resting up, taking it easy and just getting better. Well mum had plenty intentions of getting better all right. And what was driving her on? The Moonlight Walk in Edinburgh to raise funds for breast cancer research. A 26 mile hike through the night. The doctors were out for a good while on whether she would get the ok to do it. She faithfully attended her cardio exercise classes three times a week at the hospital and continued to do short walks inbetween. At the very last hour she was given the all clear... and she did it, she completed the entire thing.
I also want you to know why this is a particularly amazing feat. Not only had my mum had the heart attack, she also suffers from severe sciatica and spondalitis and she's 66 years old. She has the highest pain threshold of any human I know.
So there I was last night, standing at the door carrying out my requested role and I found myself just watching my wee mammy. What a powerhouse. There in front of me was a woman who embraces life and who isn't driven by selfish gain but instead to help others. I felt in awe. An amazingly generous woman with her time, her energy, so full of spirit and soul. And I thought to myself... Dear God if I even have an ounce of that instilled in me from my mother I'm the better and luckier person for it.
So here's to a wee woman who has inspired me my whole life and who I know shall always inspire me.
I love you mum
Lynne xx
